My brother plans to get a PlayStation 3, and I get to play on it. That means I'll finally (!) be able to play the Ratchet & Clank Future series.

In the wake of the recent attack on PSN, I'm now rather cautious about getting a PS3, more so than I want to be. But in any case, what do I need to know or be wary about regarding PSN, specifically for the new Ratchet games? Even basic questions like "do I need an account for these games in the first place?" would be good for an answer, because I can't really find much info addressing that. I'm equally interested in what I'd be missing out on if I stay offline, though.

I know that demos are available on PSN, but since I'll be buying the games anyway I probably don't need them. I'll also be going to the store and buy the games from there, instead of purchasing online.

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If you play games without signing up to PSN then you will not be able to download any patches or updates for the games. This would mean missing out on additional features added after the game was released, and of course any bug fixes. How important this is depends on the game, as some games get a lot more post-release support than others.

While you don't need a PSN account to play Tools of Destruction or A Crack in Time (the first and third R&CF games), the second game (Quest for Booty) is only available via download from the PSN. (At least, in North America; I recall hearing that it was available on disc in Europe.) Edit:According to Wikipedia, Quest for Booty was released on Blu-Ray in Europe and Asia.

A Crack in Time supports trophies (equivalent to achievements), which I believe are only reported if you have a PSN account. They should still be tracked locally even without one, however.

The newest game in the Series Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One is playable without going online, but the main attraction is being able to play with up to 3 friends split screen AND online in any possible combination you like.